Brett Hodgson has said he is pleased with the way his side both defended and attacked in the first-half of last night’s pre-season clash against York City Knights.
The game was Hodgson’s first in charge of the Black & Whites since taking the head coach role, with Hull running out 28-22 winners in the first ever Rugby League game at the LNER Community Stadium.
While York managed to get themselves back in the game in the second-half as Hull rotated their squad, Hodgson explained he was happy with the overall effort from his side.
Speaking to hullfc.com, Hodgson said: “I was particularly pleased with what we showed in the first-half. We showed some real intent in our defence, and looked really strong as a unit, which is what we asked for.
“Offensively we asked a few questions too, so all in all I’m really happy with how we went in the first forty.
He added: “After the break we made a lot of changes which effected the momentum we build-up in that first-half, but we made a few errors which meant we had a lot of defending to do in the end.
“York are a pretty decent team and they threw some shapes at us which we had to defend. I thought our middles were very good at showing their intend with a bit of aggression, which is something we have asked of them.”
Hodgson also praised the Airlie Birds spine which linked up for the first time in its new format, with Josh Reynolds making his first appearance for the club.
“I thought our spine went well and they all showed pieces of individual brilliance at times. Over the next four to six weeks, the relationship between them players will grow as they learn each others strengths.
“Josh showed some great energy and that is what he brings to the team. He was leading the kick chase line all night and all the boys follow on the back of that.”
Hodgson also praised Jacuzzi Elite Performance Man of the Match Chirs Satae, adding: “I’m really proud of Chris – he has had an exceptional pre-season, and that continued last night.
“We didn’t know how long he was going to be out there but he put his hand to go back out there for a longer second stint which is a credit to him.”
On the younger members of the squad who got their chance to perform in the second-half, he continued: “They see what it takes to play against a decent opposition, and at times, the young boys put their hands up, and learnt a couple of lessons too, which long term will be good for them. There were some high effort levels from them across the board.”
Brett Hodgson is proudly sponsored by Cladding King.
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